Introduction to Basket Making

Instructor: Virginia Zimmermann

Dates: Thursday and Friday, May 7 & 8, 2026

Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM

Ages: 15+

Members: $81

Non-Members: $90

(Registration deadline: May 1)

Description:

Basket making is as old as humanity, and is an essential craft and art form. People need a means to store and carry things - baskets were created out of this necessity. Every culture weaves their own twist into the baskets they make. An integral part of the basket making process is to pass on the knowledge and joy of the craft. In this workshop, you will learn to make a small reed woven basket from beginning (bottom) to rim (border). The techniques can be used to weave future baskets out of all kinds of materials. You can use just about anything to make a basket - from store-bought reeds to materials gathered from nature. You can even make your own cordage from plants in the garden.

Materials:

Provided by the instructor for $10 materials fee (payable to the instructor): 

• Starter sets – spokes for each attendee

• Weaving reeds, separated and spun

• One set of contrasting reeds

• Assorted string, yarn and ropes for weaving

• Spray bottle for wetting 

• Bundle of reed for demonstrations

Instructor Bio:

Virginia Zimmermann is a mixed media artist and realism painter with over 30 years experience. She earned her BFA from Parsons School of Design and her K-12 Art Teaching Certificate, Masters in Art Education and Sixth Year. Degrees from Southern Connecticut State University. She taught in the Fairfield Public School District for 26 years before pursuing art full-time. Her work has been exhibited in many exhibitions, including The William Benton Museum, Mattatuck Museum, New Britain Museum, Silvermine Art Guild, Artist Collective of Westport and is held in private collections.

Artist's website: https://virginiazimmerman.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here